ABC News and George Stephanopoulos Issue Apology and $15M Payout to Trump in Defamation Settlement

Key Takeaways:

1.     A Costly Error in Broadcast Journalism: ABC News and George Stephanopoulos settle with Trump for $15 million after falsely misstating legal verdicts, marking a significant legal victory for the president-elect.

2.     A Charitable Twist: The settlement includes a “charitable contribution” to fund Trump’s future presidential library, a move that redefines the landscape of defamation settlements.

3.     Credibility in Question: ABC’s acknowledgment of the error raises questions about media accuracy and accountability in reporting on high-profile figures.

By Samuel A. Lopez, Legal Analyst and Journalist, USA Herald

NEW YORK (USA Herald) – In an unexpected twist in media law, ABC News has had to eat humble pie after anchor George Stephanopoulos falsely declared on-air that Donald Trump was found “liable for rape.” The network has now settled with Trump for a hefty $15 million, which will go towards establishing his presidential library.

Imagine this: you’re watching your favorite Sunday morning news show, expecting the usual rundown of political banter, when suddenly, a statement is made that could change public perception of a major political figure. That’s exactly what happened when Stephanopoulos, in a moment of on-air fervor, misrepresented the legal outcomes of E. Jean Carroll’s lawsuits against Trump.

The definition of defamation is clear – it’s the act of damaging someone’s reputation with falsehoods, whether through slander (spoken) or libel (written). While public figures like Trump have a higher bar to clear for proving defamation, the impact of incorrect statements in the media can be profound. Here, ABC’s slip-up led to Trump filing a lawsuit in Miami’s federal court, asserting that Stephanopoulos’ remarks were not only false but also damaging.

Fast forward to this weekend, and ABC News has publicly apologized for their broadcast error. They’ve agreed to a $15 million “charitable contribution” to what will be Trump’s future presidential library, alongside an additional $1 million in legal fees to the law firm of Trump’s attorney, Alejandro Brito.

This isn’t just a financial penalty; it’s a blow to ABC’s credibility, especially at a time when media integrity is under the microscope.

Jeannie Kedas, speaking for ABC News, tried to put a positive spin on the settlement, stating, “We are pleased that the parties have reached an agreement to dismiss the lawsuit on the terms in the court filing.” Yet, beneath this statement lies the undeniable truth that ABC has taken a reputational hit.

While Trump’s signature boldly graced the settlement agreement, (everyone else signed electronically), it’s clear that this isn’t just about the money. It’s a statement on how even the most powerful media outlets must be held accountable for their words.

This case is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between free speech and defamation in our democracy. It teaches us that while public figures are often subject to intense scrutiny, the media’s role in shaping narratives comes with immense responsibility.

“Trump’s victory here sends a loud message to media outlets everywhere: get your facts straight or pay the price.” – Samuel A. Lopez, Legal Analyst and Journalist, USA Herald

In re: President Donald J. Trump v. American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., ABC News, Inc. and George Stephanopoulos, (2024) Case No. 1:24-cv-21050, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division

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